De Drentsche Aa, Grafheuvels and Mooi Zeegse Loop

Starting from the village of Zeegse, just northeast of Assen in the province of Drenthe, this 10 km (6.2 miles) loop offers a gentle, flat walk with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The trailhead is conveniently located near the Zeegser Duinen, a well-known nature reserve, and is easily reached by car via the N386 or by public transport with regular buses from Assen to Zeegse village.

Getting Oriented and Navigation

The route is well-marked, but for added confidence and real-time navigation, HiiKER provides detailed maps and GPS guidance. The loop can be walked in either direction, but most hikers start from the parking area at Zeegserweg, close to the entrance of the Zeegser Duinen.

Highlights of the Trail

Drentsche Aa National Park

The trail meanders through the heart of the Drentsche Aa National Park, a unique landscape shaped by the winding Drentsche Aa river. This area is renowned for its ancient stream valleys, heathlands, and sand dunes. Expect to walk through a mosaic of open heath, birch and oak woodlands, and lush meadows. The river itself is a highlight, with several picturesque crossing points and wooden bridges.

Grafheuvels (Ancient Burial Mounds)

Around the 3 km (1.9 miles) mark, you’ll encounter several prehistoric burial mounds, or grafheuvels, dating back to the Bronze Age. These low, grass-covered mounds are a reminder of the region’s long human history. Informational signs provide context about the burial practices of the area’s earliest inhabitants.

Mooi Zeegse and Zeegser Duinen

At approximately 6 km (3.7 miles), the trail enters the Mooi Zeegse area, known for its rolling sand dunes and juniper thickets. The Zeegser Duinen are a protected nature reserve, home to rare plants and a variety of bird species, including woodlarks and nightjars. The shifting sands and open heathland offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Flora and Fauna

Throughout the hike, keep an eye out for grazing sheep, which help maintain the heathland, as well as roe deer and foxes in the quieter woodland sections. In spring and summer, the heath blooms with purple heather, and the meadows are alive with butterflies and dragonflies.

Practical Information

The entire loop is on well-maintained, mostly sandy or grassy paths, with no significant climbs or descents. There are several benches and picnic spots along the way, particularly near the river and in the Zeegser Duinen. Public toilets and a café can be found in Zeegse village, just a short walk from the trailhead.

Access and Transport

By car, follow the N386 to Zeegse and park at the main lot on Zeegserweg, near the entrance to the Zeegser Duinen. For public transport, take a train to Assen and transfer to a regional bus (line 58 or 59, depending on the schedule) to Zeegse. The bus stop is within a few minutes’ walk of the trailhead.

For navigation and up-to-date trail conditions, consult HiiKER before setting out.